Kids love to build stuff. With electronic gaming and YouTube viewing all the rage, how does a toy manufacturer peak their interest? A child’s introduction to trains starts at an early age, often receiving their first train set on Christmas morning. A large number of toddlers and preschoolers receive a wooden train table or something with the name “Thomas & Friends” on it. But what about older kids who have outgrown such toys, yet still love trains. How do they get a more hands-on interaction? Priced at under $60, the OWI Magnetic Levitation Express is an affordable train set unlike anything most of you or your children have ever seen. So without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this RobotoKits maglev train toy set review.

RobotoKits MagLev Train Toy Set Review

When an adult or parent purchases this product for their child, they’re trying to spark some level of thought and creativity. You see, the Magnetic Levitation Express is so much more than a mere train set. It’s a toy, a train set, an engineering project, and an educational kit all-in-one.

Upon opening the packaging, you’ll notice this train kit is very similar to the model car or plane you built as a child. But this is not an open the box and ready to operate train set. You have to assemble the track, and build the three trains as well. With 155 well-labeled parts plus ten stickers, building the trains and the track is a time-consuming affair. When I tell you it could take 3-4 hours to completion, it’s no exaggeration. But when you’re finished with the project, provided you built it correctly, there’s that feeling of accomplishment.

The assembly and instruction manual is over 40 pages in length. It’s a good thing too as you’re going to pay attention to every page. It’s easily one of the best manuals I’ve ever seen. And if you encounter an issue, you’ve got video tips at your disposal. Full disclosure–I used two such video tips. Here’s a tip of my own–keep a nail clipper handy. You’ll use it over a hundred times to clip of the burrs.

I highly suggest you do everything in the order as it appears in the manual. It will make the experience go more smoothly. Within the box, you’ve got 18 yellow tracks and clear guide rails and twice as many magnetic strips to install in the tracks. These magnetic strips are numbered as are the undersides of the tracks, so it’s difficult to mess up the placement. There is one thing to be mindful of here. Pay close attention to the surface colors of the magnetic strips. It’s an easy mistake to install one upside down, one which I made. What happens here is every time the first train passes over the incorrectly installed strip, it derails. That’s how you know you’ve made said mistake.

Installation of the track and magnetic strips is the most time-consuming part of the build. Once this is done, take a short break. You’ll have earned it.

The completed track measures no more than 29 x 18 inches and is less than 2 inches in height.

The Three Train Cars

The trains are propelled by wait for it, magnetic levitation. This mode of transport has been around for over a hundred years but is rarely utilized for a variety of reasons. Rather than explaining how magnets suspend and propel a train forward, I’ll refer you to Wikipedia. Everything you would want to know about maglev can be found in this link. I for one would prefer to ride on this type of train or Elon Musk’s anticipated Hyperloop rather than a conventional one. You don’t have to look any further than the near-daily bad news stories on New York’s MTA.

Of the three trains, the two outer ones are mirror copies of each other. There’s no front or rear train car. It all depends on which direction you direct the train in. The building of the train’s cars shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes to an hour. And because everything is well-labeled, it’s difficult to make a mistake.

The trains operate via a 3-position switch. There’s an off position and one of two on positions. P1 will operate the train in either direction for 90 seconds. Call it an appetizer. P2 will operate the train in either direction until the two installed AAA batteries run out of charge, or in my case until your cat knocks it off track. According to the manual, if you started with fresh batteries, the operation of the train should last approximately two hours. You may want to invest in a 4-pack of rechargeable AAA batteries.

The color pattern of the train is an attractive one with its solid white and transparent blue features. It measures no more than 11 inches in length. As no glue is involved, parts can become undone should the train derail. Be mindful of the surface which you place the train tracks upon. It should be large enough to contain a derailment.

Conclusion

While the RobotoKits Magnetic Levitation Express train set was a challenge to build, and a time-consuming one, it was a rewarding build. With all the science involved, your child should find this an educational experience. Maybe a university degree in physics or engineering is in their future.

The finished product turned out great. It delighted not only the 6-year old who assisted in this project, but it also intrigued my cat to a point where she kept derailing the train with every whack.

If you put this train kit in front of someone in their pre- or early teens, I believe they’re going to love it. Plus, it’s a conversation piece among adults.

At $58, which I believe to be fair, the RobotoKits Magnetic Levitation Express is among the best-rated toy kits of 2017. For you kids you love to tinker and build stuff, we highly recommend you try this maglev train set out.

What do you think of this RobotoKits Maglev Train Toy Set review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Available for shipment in Q4 2017 comes the latest creation from the folks at Mezco Toyz — the One:12 Collective Dr. Strange action figure. Dr Strange is the newest Marvel Universe character to be added to their roster of deluxe figures.

Per the press release, “Dr. Stephen Strange, MD was once a prominent but egotistical surgeon. Following a tragic automobile accident, he searched the world for a way to heal his badly damaged hands. After becoming a student of the Ancient One, Strange not only mastered the martial arts but the mystical arts as well. He now serves as Sorcerer Supreme and from his base in the Sanctum Sanctorum he guards the world from mystical and magical threats.”

“Doctor Strange joins the One:12 collective with a comprehensively detailed outfit and unique character specific accessories.”

Scheduled for shipment in November 2017, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

The Wrap

Per Mezco, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of deluxe action figures or a fan of The Sorcerer Supreme, this Marvel Comics figure may be perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the MezcoToyz Marvel Universe page to see the latest Marvel character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown Review on any of the following social media platforms:

Available for shipment in Q1 2018 comes the latest collective creation from the folks in Long Island — the Mezco Toyz One 12 Knightmare Batman action figure. Batman vs Superman’s Knightmare Batman is the newest DC Universe character to be added to their roster of deluxe figures.

Per the release, “Born in the fevered dreams of Bruce Wayne, Knightmare Batman inhabits a world gone wrong. Gotham has been replaced by a post-apocalyptic desert patrolled by a military loyal to the Last Son Of Krypton. Knightmare Batman joins the One:12 collective with a comprehensively detailed outfit that perfectly recreates the cinematic look of the character.”

Should you happen to attend a future Toy Fair NY, head over to the Mezco Toyz booth and check out their current and future line of figures and dolls. You’ll like what you see so much, that you’ll want to buy something on the spot.

Knightmare Batman joins the One:12 Collective with a detailed outfit and portrait sculpture.

Scheduled for shipment in February 2018, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

The Wrap

Per Mezco, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of deluxe action figures or a fan of The Batman, this Mezco One 12 Knightmare Batman action figure is perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the Mezco Toyz DC Universe page to see the latest DC Comics character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown Review on any of the following social media platforms:

At the end of 2016, HBO released its newest drama series, The Young Pope. At first glance, this show solely appeared to be interesting, but after having finished the 10-episode first season, profound and dark are better descriptors. The series takes you into the strange mind of Pope Pius XIII, aka Lenny Belardo, played by Jude Law, the first American Pope in history. Secrets, Sins, and debauchery run rampant in and outside the walls of the Vatican, and the over conservative Lenny takes on his role to make sure he’s in the know. Along with his stubbornness, mystery and pain run so deep that you yearn for more. Law’s role as Lenny is believable and utter perfection. Let’s dive into HBO’s The Young Pope Season 1 review.

The Young Pope Season 1 Review

The Young Pope isn’t a series that is for the lighthearted, the subject matter covered can be difficult. There are many symbolic references and thematic situations within from art to the constant color red, and a series of rational and irrational relationships the evolve and unwind, enough to keep even historians and theologians intently watching for hours. The beginning sequence shows a series of art, and it’s not just any art hung upon the wall. They chronically cover critical time periods from the Jesus’ birth with Gerard van Honthorst’s, The Adoration of Shepherds to Maurizio Cattelan’s, The 9th Hour. The music used throughout the series also gives an eerie, devilish feel with its electric-techno type spiced with Lele Marchitelli’s instrumental outlook.

In a sea of naked babies, Lenny Belardo emerges and immediately you’re drawn in. There’s an uneasy feeling that overtakes you. The scene changes to Lenny waking up in bed and the radio starts to shuffle stations and go mysteriously in and out of reception. For the first time, we witness either a supernatural entity or Lenny, himself, as that being in nature. Who is he, what is he? Lenny is dark, but there is something that draws the viewer to continue watching. Finding out what’s inside of him could be pure and holy.

Lenny is an interesting character, he likes to accept gifts, does not like his photo taken or be told what to do, and wants to do everything on his own time. He’s a mysterious miracle worker, not revealed right away, but we’re shown small examples. He continues to doubt God’s existence, or so we think, but it may be just his way of showing God to others through his unique thought process and demeanor.

One of the only characters from the beginning who believes in his pureness is his faith mother, Sr Mary, played by Diane Keaton. She does a fantastic job in this role, and her night shirt is comical as well, but you must watch to find out what that says. We see at the beginning via a flashback that Sr Mary takes young Belardo in at the age of 8 after his birth parents, who appear to be hippies, leave him at an orphanage leaving Sr Mary to raise him.

Like that of a President or Prime Minister, one can only imagine being the Pope is not an easy task. There are times when it is gratifying, and there are trying times. You have a job to uphold, and one of the tasks as Pope is to deliver homilies on a balcony overlooking Saint Peter’s Square. Since Lenny’s stubbornness would like him to avoid said task or anything else that relates to public speaking, he puts off writing his first homily as long as he is allowed. He knows the time is quickly approaching and as 9:30 PM on the eve of him to deliver his message; the sun has set. Saint Peter’s square, packed with the anticipation of what the crowd’s new Pope will say. He approaches the balcony, and face darkened, the masses blast into a roaring cheer as Pope Pius XIII begins.

Not only does he begin but in such an odd manner by asking what they, the crowd, have forgotten and then says they have forgotten God. In a scolding tone, he tells them they need to be closer to God than each other and that he, himself, is closer to God than to the crowd. Lenny’s followers don’t expect to hear this from their Pope, especially a brand new one who is attempting to gain acceptance. His big takeaway was, “I have nothing to say to those who even the slightest doubt about God, all I can do is remind them of my scoring.”

He continues to say he doesn’t have to prove God exists; they need to prove God doesn’t exist. If they’re unable to prove he doesn’t exist, it means he does exist. Without God, you are as good as dead. A street-goer shouts out to see his face, Lenny responds for that to happen, they must see God, and when they see God, they will see him.

Unclear as to what his homily meant, the following day the media is requesting a press conference for him to explain in more detail. Lenny refuses to do such a thing, but tells Sr Mary she will be doing the press conference in his place and this leads to more confusion. Lenny continues this path of mystery and says “absence is the presence, fundamentals of mystery, the mystery that will be at the center of the church.”

Sr Mary goes to talk with Cardinal Michael Spencer, Lenny’s faith father and mentor, played by James Cromwell who genuinely knows Lenny as much as Sr Mary does. Michael feels as Lenny’s parents rejected him, he seeks them within himself. He feels Lenny wants to make the world suffer for what he has felt from that rejection. We can see this is a theme within just the first few episodes as Lenny continues to flash back to him as a young boy, walking in the darkness, alone, searching for something. Sometimes we see his young parents getting on a boat, watching him as they leave the dock, leaving Lenny by himself. Lenny’s character is constantly struggling with the abandonment of his birth parents. Lenny tells Sr Mary she always talks about his holiness and the miracles he can perform but not the only miracle he needs and is to see his parents again. She tells him to have faith, and he will see them again. He says he is getting old and does not want to see them dead.

We also see a series of flashbacks with a beautiful young blonde girl, and early on we are unsure of who she is. Come to find out it was the one girl Lenny was fond of when he was younger, and he continues to wonder where she went. We don’t know of his intention in the present, but that is revealed later as a scandal approaches the highest level between Cardinal Voiello, Vatican’s Secretary of State, a veteran insider of church politics, played by Silvio Orlando. Cardinal Voiello works very closely with Lenny once he became Pope and you see the transition of this relationship evolve.

Ester played by Ludivine Sagnier, a resident of Vatican City, married, claims to be a devoted Catholic although her continual affair with one of the priests in the Vatican would lead you to believe otherwise. You want to like her, but her aloofness makes it rather difficult at first. Ester is an important character in the series, and the relationship that develops between Lenny and her is one that sometimes seems to go astray, but once you see the understanding, you get back on track. She and her husband are sterile but yearns and feverishly prays for God to intervene to make this happen.

Cardinal Voilello and many others would like Lenny to resign; his attitude, ruling, and everything in between are not welcoming. Unwilling to voluntarily leave, the Congregation for the Clergy takes it upon themselves to do what they need to remove him. They attempt to set him up by using Ester as their pawn. She becomes closer to Lenny, and again the viewer doesn’t know whether to like her or not due to the uncertainty of her intentions.

Throughout the series, we hear bits and pieces about a man named Archbishop Kurtwell. Kurtwell, we know, is under investigation for possible sexual allegations but to what extent is unclear. That is until Lenny advises Cardinal Gutierrez, played by Javier Camara, to leave for New York and investigate but not come back until he has actual evidence of the allegations. Cardinal Gutierrez is extremely out of sorts as he has never left the walls of the Vatican since he arrived many years ago. We know a bit of Gutierrez’s character early on, but there is much more that evolves after we see him become a major character in the last few episodes. What Gutierrez finds in New York under this investigation is a tipping point and turning point to Lenny’s character, and we feel that more of this new persona will be brought forth in Season 2.

Each character thus far has encountered many growing opportunities, some less fortunate than others but nonetheless each has evolved a lot over ten episodes. We’re pleased to see how the story comes together here in the 10th episode. Saint Peter square is packed, but this time instead of the night sky, its daylight. Cardinals are out and ready surrounding their Pope, and as Lenny approaches the balcony, he looks at the people for the first time, he smiles.

They all wait. Lenny speaks and says “who is God, God is a mind that opens.” He tells the full story of the Blessed Juana, a story we have not heard entirely before now.

We went back and forth on telling this story and felt it was better to watch it and not give it away. What we will share is part of the dozens of questions some children were asking the Blessed Juana as she lay dying, “are we dead or are we alive, are we tired or beggars, are we healthy or sick, are we good or bad, do we still have time or has it run out, are we young or are we old, are we clean or are we dirty, are we fools or are we smart, are we true or are we false, are we rich or are we poor, are we kings or are we servants, are we good or are we beautiful, are we warm or are we cold, are we happy or are we blind, are we disappointed or joyful, are we lost or are we found, are we men or are we women.”

“It doesn’t matter” replied the Blessed Juana and added, “God does not allow himself to be seen. God does not shout or whisper or write or hear. God does not chat. God does not comfort us.” And all of the children asked her, “who is God?” and Juana replied, “God smiles” and only then does everyone understand.

The story is so impactful and influential; it triggers many thoughts. The most important thing is the element of Catholicism in this scene and how it can replace any other religious belief in a god, or in a spiritual aspect. Although there is an attachment to God as a reference, there is no actual attachment to one religion, which makes it more impactful. As he tells this story, we see a recap of the entire season and how each one of the questions the children asks reflects back to a character we saw along the way. Some may have been a small part and forgotten, others large and still engraved in our minds, but each played a bigger role than we once thought, and we see this during this time.

Lenny continues, begs all of them to smile. He takes the telescope Belardo gave him to watch each smile, and he sees some familiar faces but is unsure of the actual existence. Lenny encounters for the second-time heart attack symptoms but assures everyone it’s nothing. As he waves to the crowd and steps back from the balcony, he takes some deep breaths, his eyes roll to the back of his head, and he sees Jesus in the clouds. Whether he is dying is left to be seen, but given we have Season 2 to look forward to, we are going with panic attack symptoms, and he will continue to rise above as Pope Pius XIII.

The camera backs up upon Vatican City and Rome, and HBO’s The Young Pope Season 1 comes to a conclusion.

Conclusion

Now, if you think there’s more to this story, you’re correct, much more. We cannot put out every detail here. Otherwise, it would spoil the season for you and that is not the intent. The intent is to make you engaged enough to want to watch for yourself, to draw your conclusions. That’s a wrap for The Young Pope Season 1 review. We’ll all see what happens in The Young Pope Season 2.

Grimm Complete Collection DVD release date is set for June

Available this June on store shelves and online everywhere comes NBC‘s Grimm: The Complete Collection. Grimm Complete Collection DVD release date is set for June 13, 2017. List pricing for the Grimm complete series Blu-ray™ + Digital HD and DVD sets are $224.98 and $174.98, respectively. Seasons 1-6 single episodes are currently available for $2.99 (HD) with complete 1st – 5th seasons going for $14.99 and the complete 6th season going for $24.99. This pricing is per Amazon.com. Other digital stores charge up to $29.99 for a season on HDX.You can order Grimm Season 1-6 at any of these digital stores:

PRESS RELEASE

From the minds of creaters/showrunners David Greenwalt and Jim Kouf comes NBC’s Grimm.

Per the NBC Universal press release: “The classic Grimms’ fairytales come to life with Grimm: The Complete Collection. Portland homicide detective Nick Burkhardt discovers he’s descended from a long line of Grimms, who are charged with keeping balance between humanity and the creatures of myth. With newly awoken abilities to detect the evil lurking among us, Nick tackles gruesome and bizarre crimes linked to creatures of lore. As even more dangerous Wesen make their way to the great northwest, it’s going to take all of Team Grimm’s strength and energy to keep Portland from bursting open at the seams. Own every spine-chilling episode of Grimm with this six-season collection.”

SyFy’s Van Helsing Season 1 DVD release date is set for June

Available this June on store shelves and online everywhere comes SyFy’s Van Helsing Season 1. Van Helsing Season 1 DVD release date is set for June 6, 2017. List pricing for the 13-episode Blu-ray™ and DVD sets are $44.98 and $39.98, respectively. The Blu-ray™ set includes a Digital HD copy. Season 1 single episodes are currently available for $2.99 (HD) and $1.99 (SD), with the complete HD season going for $24.99.

PRESS RELEASE

From the producers of Fargo and Hell on Wheels and Showrunner Neil LaBute comes SyFy’s Van Helsing.

Per the NBC Universal press release: “Van Helsing is set in the near future where vampires have risen and taken control. Vanessa Van Helsing is humanity’s last hope for survival, as her unique blood composition gives her the ability to turn vampires human. With this secret weapon, Vanessa becomes a prime target for the vampires.”

SyFy’s Killjoys Season 2 DVD release date is set for April

Available this April on store shelves and online everywhere comes SyFy’s Killjoys Season 2. The Killjoys Season 2 DVD release date is set for April 18, 2017. List pricing for the 10-episode Blu-ray™ and DVD sets are $44.98 and $39.98, respectively. The Blu-ray™ set includes a Digital HD copy along with UltraViolet. Season 2 single episodes are currently available for $2.99 (HD) and $1.99 (SD), with the complete HD season going for $24.99. If you haven’t seen Killjoys Season 1 yet, it’s available on Amazon for $19 and $17 for the Blu-ray™ and DVD boxed sets, respectively.

You can order Killjoys Season 2 as well as Season 1 at any of these digital stores:

PRESS RELEASE

Per the NBC Universal press release: “The galaxy’s most bad ass bounty hunters are back in Killjoys: Season Two. It’s now up to Johnny and Dutch to rescue a kidnapped D’avin. As our trio continues to hunt deadly warrants threatening a bloody, multiplanetary war – they face old enemies, the tyrannical Company and the mysterious agenda of Khylen, Dutch’s former mentor.”

Available for shipment in Q3 2017 comes the latest creation from the folks at Mezco Toyz — the One:12 Collective Wolverine action figure. Wolverine is the newest Marvel Universe character to be added to their roster of deluxe figures.

Per the press release, “With a shadowy past the X-Men member known as Wolverine was a soldier, mercenary and part of the mysterious Weapon X program. His mutant abilities consist of animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, powerful regenerative ability known as a healing factor, and six retractable bone claws in his hands. The bone claws and his skeleton were infused with a nearly indestructible Adamantium compound to make him even more formidable while part of the Weapon X program.”

Wolverine joins the One:12 Collective with a detailed outfit and portrait sculpture.

Scheduled for shipment in August 2017, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

The Wrap

Per Mezco, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of deluxe action figures or a fan of The Wolverine, this X-Men figure may be perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the MezcoToyz Marvel Universe page to see the latest Marvel character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown Review on any of the following social media platforms:

Available for shipment in Q4 2017 comes the latest creation from the folks at Mezco Toyz — the One:12 Collective Old Man Logan action figure. Old Man Logan is the newest Marvel Universe character to be added to their roster of deluxe figures. Per the press release, “In the alternate future of Earth-807128, Wolverine has aged. Now known as Old Man Logan, he lives with his family in a barren wasteland trying to maintain as normal a life as possible.”

“When events turn against him Logan’s family and everything important to him is destroyed by the Hulk’s gang. Using his claws for the first time in years, Old Man Logan exacts revenge, sparing only the baby known as Bruce Jr. With his family gone, Old Man Logan heads off into the sunset with the baby vowing to set things straight.”

Old Man Logan joins the One:12 Collective with a detailed outfit and portrait sculpture.

Scheduled for shipment in November 2017, pricing is set at $80 per unit + freight. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

The Wrap

Per Mezco, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of deluxe action figures or a fan of The Wolverine, this Old Man Logan figure may be perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the MezcoToyz Marvel Universe page to see the latest Marvel character announcements.

Follow Mezco Toyz and Beantown Review on any of the following social media platforms:

Available for shipment in Q2 2017 comes the latest creation from the folks at Mezco Toyz — the One:12 Collective Classic Punisher action figure. This limited edition Classic Punisher is the newest Marvel Universe character to be added to their roster of deluxe figures.

Per the release, “When veteran war hero Frank Castle’s family is slain he vows vengeance becoming the Punisher. This Classic Version features the iconic black and white look the Punisher wore when first introduced. Meticulously developed to capture the intensity of the character and outfitted on a One:12 Collective body, the figure has impressive details. The final product creates a menacing look reflecting the characters severity.”

Should you happen to be attending Toy Fair NY this February, head over the the Mezco Toyz booth and check out their current and future line of figures and dolls. You won’t be disappointed. Limited to 400 units, this figure is scheduled for shipment on April 1st. Pricing is set at $85 per unit + freight. Figures are deliverable only within the USA.

The Wrap

Per Mezco Toyz, “each figure is packaged in a deluxe, collector friendly box designed with collectors in mind.”

If you’re a collector of limited edition, deluxe action figures or a fan of Frank Castle’s vengeance-filled persona, this Mezco One 12 Punisher action figure is perfect for you. Don’t hesitate to check out the Mezco Toyz Marvel Universe page to see the latest Marvel Comics character announcements.

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